Denver
gets associated with the Old West a lot, but the New West
has left a much more visible mark on the city. In the past
15 years, an influx of high-technology firms and other companies
has polished up a town that used to be known for its rough
edges. A skyline of gleaming glass graces downtown, and even
the historic areas shine with fresh varnish. Nowhere is that
more clear than in LoDo -- Denver's Lower Downtown District
-- where rundown warehouses have been renovated into classy
jazz clubs, bookstores, restaurants and art galleries.
Together, the new and the old structures are drawing residents
and visitors alike, and the once-deserted downtown streets
are bustling with pedestrians during the day and into the
night.
The
city's rapid growth hasn't been without consequences, however.
Air pollution is a serious problem -- increased traffic
around the city and into the mountains is a major contributing
factor. Still, Denverites consider their natural environment
precious -- many spend their weekends skiing, biking, hiking
and camping. So, balancing growth with environmental concerns
has become a regional priority. Light-rail lines are beginning
to stretch out into the suburbs to relieve traffic snarls,
and open land within and outside the city is being set aside
for parks and recreation areas.
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Six
Flags Elitch Gardens
After
spending 104 years tucked away in northwest Denver, Elitch
Gardens abandoned its home for a more spacious downtown
site, which allowed it to add state-of-the-art rides, such
as the free falling "Tower of Doom" and the "Sidewinder."
Besides the more than 100 rides, there are numerous shows,
shopping outlets and eateries to keep the family entertained.
In addition, in the summer you can alternate between the
numerous roller coasters and the neighboring mammoth water
park.
Sprint International Golf
Tournament
Every summer the Castle Pines Golf Club, located just 20
minutes south of Denver, hosts one of the biggest professional
golf tournaments of the year. Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh,
and Greg Norman are just a few of the top golfers who make
this a must-see event. Seeing this Jack Nicklaus-designed
course, with its sculpted fairways set amidst babbling creeks
and stands of ponderosa pine, is worth the price of admission
alone.
Colorado Rockies
Major
League Baseball's announcement of National League expansion
came in 1985. Colorado then began a long and patient campaign,
and in July of 1991 Denver managed to snag one of the two
expansion franchises. Thus, the Colorado Rockies were born.
The team played its first regular season in 1993 at Mile
High Stadium. Two years later the Rockies set a record by
being the first expansion team ever to reach post-season
play prior to their ninth year of play. Games are great
family outings, especially in Coors Field.
Denver
Botanic Gardens
These
gardens encompass an impressive 21 acres. Specialized gardens
offer visitors a variety of botanical experiences. Seek
solitude in the sanctuary of the Japanese Garden, overlooking
a pond with goldfish and bonsai trees. Reminisce on your
childhood with Dr. Suess, Winnie-the-Pooh and other favorite
characters in the Storybook Gardens. The Xeriscape Demo
Garden and the Rock Alpine Garden are the places to gather
ideas for your own backyard. In all there are more than
30 gardens to explore.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
This
festival recreates a 16th-century England ruled by King
Henry VIII and Queen Ann. There is a marketplace with more
than 200 artisans and tons of festive food. Troubadours,
jugglers, and jesters fight for attention while wandering
the grounds. Check out the jousting between knights on horseback,
or watch the legendary Puke and Snot perform. There is plenty
to do between shows so plan to spend the whole day. The
festival lasts for eight weekends in June and July. Directions:
Take I-25 South to Exit 173 and then follow the signs along
Perry Park Road. Be prepared for lines of traffic.
National Western Stock Show
and Rodeo
Easily
the world's largest cattle show, this annual event is one
of Denver's biggest attractions. The stock show includes
horse shows, auctions for horses and cattle, and many different
educational displays about farm life. The animals on display
include llamas, buffalo, goats, and miniature and draft
horses. There are many specialty acts, including a contest
to see who can shear a sheep the fastest. Admission is charged
for the stock show and the rodeo separately.
16th Street Mall
The
mall is a mile-long, tree-lined promenade stretching through
the heart of downtown. Bustling with street vendors, souvenir
shops, clothing and jewelry stores, and a plethora of bars
and restaurants, this energetic strip offers plenty of variety.
The Denver Pavilions, at the entrance of the mall, is a
new open air-shopping plaza filled with trendy chains, including
the Denver edition of the Hard Rock Cafe. The D & F
Tower, a 325-foot replica of St. Mark's campanile in Venice,
graces the center of the mall. The Tabor Center adds to
the shopping enthusiasm.
Coors Brewing Company
Who
was Adolph Coors? What was the Coors Company's original
name and how did it survive the prohibition years? You will
find all of this out out and more when you take the guided
tour through this legendary brewery. All ages are welcome.
If you are of legal drinking age you can enjoy 21 ounces
of beer tasting at the end of the tour; just make sure to
bring proof of age. Tours last about 90 minutes and can
be remembered through a souvenir from the Coor's gift shop
Denver Museum of Nature and
Science
This
museum is one of the city's most popular attractions, drawing
almost two-million visitors a year. Permanent displays on
North American Indians, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and
minerals are stunningly detailed and vast. The museum also
hosts such traveling exhibits as "Ramses II,"
and the "Imperial Tombs of China." An Imax Theatre,
gift shop and cafe are on-site
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Neiman
Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany &
Co, and Ralph Lauren anchor the 160 shops at this upscale
mall. This indoor playground, designed around a breakfast
theme, features slides that resemble bacon strips alongside
enormous plastic eggs. The mall also features valet parking,
in addition to 5,000 covered spaces in the adjoining free
parking garage. Roys Restaurant and california Pizza Kitchen
are onsite as is a multiplex movie theater.
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| Denver's
altitude of 5,282 feet/1,610 m above sea level and its proximity
to the dry eastern slopes of the mountains mean its climate
is generally sunny and dry. However, the weather can change
suddenly. Dress in layers so you can add or peel off clothing
as the day requires. Although temperatures can be extreme
in the dead of winter, severe weather doesn't last long.
Denver is a sprawling city whose public transportation systems
and highways have not kept up with its rapid growth. However,
the situation is improving as the city's light-rail system
expands to the suburbs and, eventually, the airport.
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